Students prepare for careers as chair-side dental assistants, dental office managers, and infection control specialists. The program is designed in accordance with American Dental Association guidelines and is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. After completing industry-specific competencies, students may take the Dental Assisting national board examination to earn nationally-recognized credentials as a certified dental assistant.

Note: General education requirements must be taken 1) prior to entering the program or, 2) before or after the regularly schedule dental assisting coursework.

Through an Opportunity Grant, special tuition and book funding is available to assist low-income adult students entering this program. Contact Ramon Burton, 253.680.7544, for more information.

Prerequisites:

1. High School diploma or GED2. Minimum age for program entry: 18 years of age3. Pass a clear national and Washington state background check. The background check must be completed prior to paying the $50 college application fee.

4. Documentary evidence of current immunizations and medical/dental evaluation within two weeks of program start date.5. Documentary evidence of current American Heart Association, Health Care Provider approved First Aid/CPR card within two weeks of program start date.6. Must meet pre-determined COMPASS levels in reading and writing